Jimmy Carter made news headlines today, which is a relatively common occurrence.

This time, however, it is different. He announced that he was diagnosed with cancer, and that it is spreading.

Very sad news indeed.

Carter said in a statement:

“I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment. A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week.”

Carter is among the most accomplished and distinguished Americans in history. He is a family man, a former president, he created The Carter Center, gave Habitat for Humanity a much larger public profile, earned the Nobel Peace Prize, became a member of The Elders, and has authored well over two dozen books.

There is some speculation that this might not slow him down all that much, either. Still, at least for now, Carter will change his schedule in order to receive treatments.

It did not take long for others to react to the news. Zbigniew Brzezinski, the National Security Advisor during Carter's White House years, said that President Carter's legacy has been defined “by deep honesty and deep commitment, not posturing, and a determination to avoid a needless spilling of blood.”

The daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., Bernice King, posted on Twitter: "President #JimmyCarter is in my thoughts & prayers. May the Lord heal, comfort & encourage this extraordinary servant-leader to the world."

Rep. John Brown, also a former Civil Rights Movement activist and member of the Carter administration, issued this statement:

“I am very sorry to hear about the illness of President Jimmy Carter. He has been a very active, productive former president. We need his wisdom, his words, and his leadership now more than ever before. We need him to continue to speak out on the great issues of our time. I will keep him, his wife and his family in my prayers. He has my most hopeful wishes for a complete recovery.”

President Obama also chimed in, adding his support of the Carter family:

“Michelle and I send our best wishes to President Carter for a fast and full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosalynn and the entire Carter family as they face this challenge with the same grace and determination that they have shown so many times before. Jimmy, you’re as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you.”

Here is hoping that Carter, who I personally find truly inspirational, and a figure that Americans should be proud of, a full and speedy recovery!